This unique teacher training course which was developed by Gaia Budhai founder of Synergy center for yoga and the Healing Arts (Miami Beach's first and oldest yoga studio)is now being offered exclusively by Gaia Living Arts amongst other offerings. Gaia Budhai leads students through an indepth study of yoga and helps each prospective teacher bring about their individual talents through a synergistic approach to the study, practice and teaching of yoga.

“Teaching is a difficult art, but it is the best service you can do for Humanity”

“Yoga is an Art, a science, and a philosophy. It touches the life of man at every level: Physical, mental, spiritual. It is a practical method for making one’s life "purposeful, useful and noble.”

- BKS Iyengar

About Our Teacher Training
Our Vision and Mission: To train teachers to become aware of and to live according to the principles of a yogic lifestyle; to provide students with a teaching method that develop the skill and confidence needed to teach a well-rounded yoga class; to help students develop the compassion, understanding and sensitivity needed to be an effective yoga teacher; and most importantly, to be able to teach from the heart, which ultimately awakens us to our true nature.

Since 1998, Gaia has certified many yoga teachers, establishing a significant track record for producing confident and competent teachers from all over the world.

Our teacher training is a 300-hour program registered with the Yoga Alliance. It is an intensive and substantial course of study for those students who wish to deepen their practice and understanding of yoga and requires a strong commitment to personal growth and self development.

Curriculum
Our curicullum consists of asana -- an exploration and strong focus on the Astanga, Sivananda and Iyengar styles of yoga. The program also offers exposure to partner and prenatal yoga, yoga therapy, basic pranayama, energetic and gross anatomy, assists and adjusts, meditation, kirtan, chanting, karma yoga, history and philosophy of yoga, teaching privates, the business of yoga and more.

Practicum
Gaia Living Arts trainees focus on learning how to teach and participate in the following: posture clinic, study of alignment, hands-on adjustment workshop and a month and a half internship teaching to the public. The program offers the opportunity to study with different teachers -- each a specialist in their particular style. This wide exposure encourages new teachers to develop their own natural teaching style.

Personal GrowthThis training has a particular emphasis on personal growth and self awareness. We believe for one to be truly present as a teacher requires an open heart and an open mind. Throughout the training students are highly encouraged to find their voice, to live and be authentic through honest relating, risk taking, sharing feelings, undoing habitual patterns, and developing trust using sensory and body awareness, partner yoga, yoga therapy, meditation, breath work, movement, emotional release work, having fun, play and much more.

Requirements
A minimum of six months background of a consistent hatha yoga practice (at least 4 times per week); a desire to deepen your understanding and practice of yoga; a willingness to step into the role of a teacher; and a commitment to personal growth and development.

Next course begins July 10, 2012!

What to Bring
A copy of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras by Swami Satchitananda (ISBN 0-932040-38-1) and Bhagavad Git by Steven Mitchel and an open mind.

"Gaia is not just a teacher, but a spiritual master, healer and guide. The three months that she spent at my studio, conducting Jamaica’s first ever yoga teacher training in 2003, has left an indelible mark on this island. Her students, who are now Synergy teachers, were not just filled with knowledge and information but also the wisdom that this beautiful woman radiates to all in her presence and Jamaica has been made a better place for it. Gaia is my teacher, my mentor and friend. Her ability to translate the teachings of yoga in an inspiration!”